tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74017701945516845152024-03-01T17:05:05.148-08:00Wen Hsiu QuanMarthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.comBlogger354125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-50132884354348572772022-02-05T07:29:00.002-08:002022-02-05T07:29:26.072-08:00Long Stance vs Short Stance<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Modern martial arts are to a large extent what had happened when classical martial arts met Western Boxing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The foremost reason modern fighters will give you for using a short fighting stance when sparring or fighting is that a short stance is more mobile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Is a shorter stance more effective, though?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's have a look at that...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can you attack more easily from a short stance?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can you defend more easily from a long stance?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do this simple test and tell me what you find...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With punching one can indeed spring into the attack and cross a long distance to land a punch on a target. The feet and body are both out of reach in the beginning, but that changes as soon as you shoot that hip forward...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv_2YMQmmH7LlSOXfBw2QR5lbLHcVZVcB-yCHIYd4Ll1NbokrCTu7a9mjJ1YqYXlzRannewOhhUnSd36a9i2hJNIvzrhAaFaEdFSHHjTr6gENCFKxFmDdg7V9eKPG1UQXlZmCSaPR-zY5iHFqGOFnQRgF9o8oaBVbiAARxV2WIxIclKEejrXOM4A=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="391" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv_2YMQmmH7LlSOXfBw2QR5lbLHcVZVcB-yCHIYd4Ll1NbokrCTu7a9mjJ1YqYXlzRannewOhhUnSd36a9i2hJNIvzrhAaFaEdFSHHjTr6gENCFKxFmDdg7V9eKPG1UQXlZmCSaPR-zY5iHFqGOFnQRgF9o8oaBVbiAARxV2WIxIclKEejrXOM4A=s320" width="196" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is of course effective in competitions where fighters start off away from each other. This enables you to go in, score your point, and get out of reach again</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the case of a long stance we see that the body may be out of reach, but the lead foot has already arrived on the scene.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2j7Pkd9PxxUy_RqNIjVqqcv6o3tzhHnVeOzN6QoeN0Z5oLQ1jBlmQ88spdT22SSaDsvgYc0V9Ia6NLgJUZ45aJ6XyuRxutosJxpqYR0shbqKlBntFDKubQdBOEQqLZOEUTl3P-MI6I8SsizH8Rm5lC6DvhoCYSVCVOBtFShlXN1FNRYh4HX5MOQ=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="640" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2j7Pkd9PxxUy_RqNIjVqqcv6o3tzhHnVeOzN6QoeN0Z5oLQ1jBlmQ88spdT22SSaDsvgYc0V9Ia6NLgJUZ45aJ6XyuRxutosJxpqYR0shbqKlBntFDKubQdBOEQqLZOEUTl3P-MI6I8SsizH8Rm5lC6DvhoCYSVCVOBtFShlXN1FNRYh4HX5MOQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now a twist of the hip and a shift of the hips forward are all that is necessary to land that punch...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We might not want to do this in competition, but going into a stance like this in a self defense situation allows you some space between you and a determined assailant so that you can get that punch in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Besides- sliding on the balls of your feet is all good on a clean tournament arena floor, but you don't know what the ground is like where your assailant finds you away from the dojo. You do not want to take too many chances hopping and sliding about...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The same goes for kicking...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From a short stance I can start my attack from further away and shoot forward. As soon as my rear foot catches up with my lead weight is exchanged and that lead hooking kick shoots out...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNJcLCJCKwbCcCV9ht57YNQ1Zl7r-Fao1MqCIjDQULdC3BAbR5NeyStdaNAqWKXNERlILGflcV8UxAzVuKC4lAffjkPpM9gj2BwNJq2wV-tSydc5DeuW1JynEFL1zDiG1aG5zMmNr0Au77Xh7BxiD51Qrks8U_oqZ9VrO_DDTQt8kysdoqYLka5Q=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="640" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNJcLCJCKwbCcCV9ht57YNQ1Zl7r-Fao1MqCIjDQULdC3BAbR5NeyStdaNAqWKXNERlILGflcV8UxAzVuKC4lAffjkPpM9gj2BwNJq2wV-tSydc5DeuW1JynEFL1zDiG1aG5zMmNr0Au77Xh7BxiD51Qrks8U_oqZ9VrO_DDTQt8kysdoqYLka5Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can I do it from a low stance? In a way, yes... The only difference is that with the long stance my lead foot is already where it should be.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtw-bRJcxdZCeyxZ64mSTTywpfywaBmo9xkERdQgvdy5vLuFafyY2jkSCJJpk8YDGUs_bDYt1qRMQ8WrW4ilyDH93MN82mvfNgMZgBBgLJYzAaEkTT1jIShMB-B84W1ldckFvL7Swm2Nr-5LSqTCyZ5_cnLdK5OVrynCRYOYZ0t1jRKdJ_8G-quA=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="640" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtw-bRJcxdZCeyxZ64mSTTywpfywaBmo9xkERdQgvdy5vLuFafyY2jkSCJJpk8YDGUs_bDYt1qRMQ8WrW4ilyDH93MN82mvfNgMZgBBgLJYzAaEkTT1jIShMB-B84W1ldckFvL7Swm2Nr-5LSqTCyZ5_cnLdK5OVrynCRYOYZ0t1jRKdJ_8G-quA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How about defense?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well... In competition we often see the short stance used like this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the opponent attacks you shoot the rear foot and your hips back (while your head probably started ahead of them both!) and you quickly maintain the gap between you and your opponent (some make it even bigger then...).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji8FxXWcT1RMeWmtMMRdUHEWOj3QMRwjxTdzy1ylkuC6Eb6nfx4ZSlmrdgi6fZrdc7_3xfaUVCer0VhVoI-uRiG6xZepSriz05ExpcgM5D0IP6qYdI_oBgSAkCNrx73NEs0-tsOFw1uSo7wUk1jkiVxebXciskyV9Kzn19zoAG9aKeogK0Ni6sSg=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="391" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji8FxXWcT1RMeWmtMMRdUHEWOj3QMRwjxTdzy1ylkuC6Eb6nfx4ZSlmrdgi6fZrdc7_3xfaUVCer0VhVoI-uRiG6xZepSriz05ExpcgM5D0IP6qYdI_oBgSAkCNrx73NEs0-tsOFw1uSo7wUk1jkiVxebXciskyV9Kzn19zoAG9aKeogK0Ni6sSg=s320" width="196" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As for the long stance my feet start with a good measure of distance between them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When the opponent charges in I can create space between us by drawing my lead foot back to my rear foot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Doing this to get away is a bad idea. Doing it to make room for that side kick, though, is a very good idea!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihIoK_Apqz9P7-eEb_E5dGP26bwd7JfwnrFGtqbpXhPzuPD2zBrR3vCJHX4WIDPPt68rra-11acbZY3j54BiJSTiTplXFeMjYVi9Hcpzg1bZ-fpJKnq1mC0G4IEjp-ENiisvfEEMc2wZ9_uQe7TUyuSZmsxmyIm2c_zD3RL_q44tf_dD-4HmHJ7g=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="407" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihIoK_Apqz9P7-eEb_E5dGP26bwd7JfwnrFGtqbpXhPzuPD2zBrR3vCJHX4WIDPPt68rra-11acbZY3j54BiJSTiTplXFeMjYVi9Hcpzg1bZ-fpJKnq1mC0G4IEjp-ENiisvfEEMc2wZ9_uQe7TUyuSZmsxmyIm2c_zD3RL_q44tf_dD-4HmHJ7g=s320" width="204" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You might not realise it, but you actually go into a long stance when you move from a short stance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the case of long stances we see movements like rotating and shifting weight. Take a step forward or back, though, and you end up using a short stance...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Regardless of your style you may find it rewarding to explore the pros and cons of lengthening or shortening your stance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have fun training and send me any questions or comments that you may have.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-79491658962548946682022-01-02T05:46:00.003-08:002022-01-02T05:46:33.574-08:00Stance, Distance and Angle <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A joyful and prosperous new year to all my followers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have noticed for some time that I have been preferring certain angles of attack during my training.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a natural consequence of staying mindful of the opponent's centre line and the limbs that you have to get past when attacking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAgWt5ri2byCSfYkOCGLl6s87VTkY5QkI_3KICEYINKbcHFdOkNx2r15FTsI7igg8azkeF_jMtgZn5bR2aX5m6G6Nfbs9-cXbge5xfXdoyJ03Cqu7Ch_DnmrBKETUew6TaP7ZOUBaSh8VwnTO7MlojcHz6iDHcsRc2d7V1oBQEzOggMc36INhHgw=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="407" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAgWt5ri2byCSfYkOCGLl6s87VTkY5QkI_3KICEYINKbcHFdOkNx2r15FTsI7igg8azkeF_jMtgZn5bR2aX5m6G6Nfbs9-cXbge5xfXdoyJ03Cqu7Ch_DnmrBKETUew6TaP7ZOUBaSh8VwnTO7MlojcHz6iDHcsRc2d7V1oBQEzOggMc36INhHgw=s320" width="204" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For a long time, especially in one's early years of Karate, we get used to square off with our sparring partners. Free sparring at this stage is then usually a manner of moving back and forth with the most dominating fighter driving his opponent back most of the time.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoflzKd0TYY1IfnL-Uf_45Q_sIwk7v4TDCyvLorXimYr0X5KpE6kRbqTRMTUv-482xgE2KLK9lmnsFg-BGnSp3FdKDo0x2MlzJ_6wcP3XprLO0ZQ5tC2h33y9nGi90vxGrQ5EvbDoQRxKowTd7SQX6HfyrtX35hB50InIdP-myutpPAiK8p_98Zw=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="407" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoflzKd0TYY1IfnL-Uf_45Q_sIwk7v4TDCyvLorXimYr0X5KpE6kRbqTRMTUv-482xgE2KLK9lmnsFg-BGnSp3FdKDo0x2MlzJ_6wcP3XprLO0ZQ5tC2h33y9nGi90vxGrQ5EvbDoQRxKowTd7SQX6HfyrtX35hB50InIdP-myutpPAiK8p_98Zw=s320" width="204" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sooner or later we realise, however, that while increasing the distance between ourselves and our opponent's may keep us safe for a while that safety does not last and- we find it impossible to counterattack from so far away.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZWGOLxmknL7DIluney1PgFn6MWi9SP7E8NrkqvUQ0B7A2GtWJxYisdVmtvr3t-nWuKYzAD5vrB6bxUUeghV4z1-pDogtSGkEpgJpgnKWR-H0Fc-1psa2pqK_r6PAA6qL9qd-lhbcw7nmHTboC5n6XXPgETVeEFleKvMsctZUeA7lz218HkR3vMw=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZWGOLxmknL7DIluney1PgFn6MWi9SP7E8NrkqvUQ0B7A2GtWJxYisdVmtvr3t-nWuKYzAD5vrB6bxUUeghV4z1-pDogtSGkEpgJpgnKWR-H0Fc-1psa2pqK_r6PAA6qL9qd-lhbcw7nmHTboC5n6XXPgETVeEFleKvMsctZUeA7lz218HkR3vMw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the reasons why I choose a slightly long stance is that the space between my feet give me enough room to make the space that I need to move back just far enough to counter with a kick.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That distance is just meant to give me room to kick, though. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzUdGYAzifBQk0kFAtsDD69TbeTlyT66AgmInMOElug1NzIZV-cmwD7Mqs4p-KqAXNmylD4WftO1NwO4UI4J5wst_Q6DufBxyJrjSSV6X9t4XIleHbSPDyRyqo5L3Xvyg-e1FpGQDzmPq3hyz_UR4PLnYm1z9rPHFEDqcLU_J4DWJ9d_0XHDl__w=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="407" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzUdGYAzifBQk0kFAtsDD69TbeTlyT66AgmInMOElug1NzIZV-cmwD7Mqs4p-KqAXNmylD4WftO1NwO4UI4J5wst_Q6DufBxyJrjSSV6X9t4XIleHbSPDyRyqo5L3Xvyg-e1FpGQDzmPq3hyz_UR4PLnYm1z9rPHFEDqcLU_J4DWJ9d_0XHDl__w=s320" width="204" /></a></div>To avoid attacks I either sidestep, slip or block. <p></p><p>For a good angle it is always nice to have your lead foot in line with that of your opponent. From this position it is easier to make that small step to the side that allows your opponent's straight attack to pass you.</p><p>For a counterkick with the lead foot drawing the lead foot back to the rear foot gives you enough room.</p><p>To kick with the rear leg after pulling back one can either pivot the lead foot inward for a back kick or spinning kick counter or pivot it outward in the Unicorn Step fashion to set the opponent up for a roundhouse kick.</p><p>Using angles limit the amount of weapons that I have to deal with while allowing to counterattack before my opponent can recover his weapon from the first attack or before he can launch his follow-up attack.</p><p>Once you have gotten this down the urge to just hastily retreat disappears...</p><p><br /></p><p>Hope you all train well and stay active!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-22452879559494147562021-12-13T01:58:00.000-08:002021-12-13T01:58:04.132-08:00Finally Done! 😃<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0hdIrTPynIaTYHDNOjg_eBmssal4dzbAT_cMnyhvFv2id0XSacsjm3E_JiHvGbV4Ll853ZKzehTMUowe6SDQUw31TQwH4oICq4BFPPTl4bKagliLRbPF0VSWEcYBLjgecfw070Borg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0hdIrTPynIaTYHDNOjg_eBmssal4dzbAT_cMnyhvFv2id0XSacsjm3E_JiHvGbV4Ll853ZKzehTMUowe6SDQUw31TQwH4oICq4BFPPTl4bKagliLRbPF0VSWEcYBLjgecfw070Borg/" width="129" /></a></div><br />I have not been writing anything for this blog for a while now...<div><br /></div><div>However- I have managed to put some time into this book and- eventually- managed to finish it!<br /><br />You can find it here:<br /><br /><div>https://www.patreon.com/posts/59796457<a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/59796457">My latest book</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PRK_U6eZtnJHc1zu0L_3PfxqJpDa4EPnLaIzYPHluxN8d5BiwMEr4y6fHN28OeIYcoa_m6OSu5XTUe6filvQvhCTc0CYGVfOT7RbxDbYsCAWF5dGxcv-fDJ2jyanV_tEZaVKPMxLmw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PRK_U6eZtnJHc1zu0L_3PfxqJpDa4EPnLaIzYPHluxN8d5BiwMEr4y6fHN28OeIYcoa_m6OSu5XTUe6filvQvhCTc0CYGVfOT7RbxDbYsCAWF5dGxcv-fDJ2jyanV_tEZaVKPMxLmw/" width="136" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeauIBd-QiMGd2ZoS49KDr4gGFlmDJ0vUgdqsKSWOWTbKqoKWP0VIh3iCtQ915WvEW8ys-9jjRT8wB8idPj9PiX7ZrYbtysZrKDHzShH69iSxdDJDv-tTNky2106BumHj9Iqnp-wMvHw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeauIBd-QiMGd2ZoS49KDr4gGFlmDJ0vUgdqsKSWOWTbKqoKWP0VIh3iCtQ915WvEW8ys-9jjRT8wB8idPj9PiX7ZrYbtysZrKDHzShH69iSxdDJDv-tTNky2106BumHj9Iqnp-wMvHw/" width="127" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Those of you who have been following my blog know that I mainly train alone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Form practice is a large part of this training.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This book focuses on Kung Fu forms and shows techniques from Shaolin and Wudang, the two main sources of Kung Fu, in order for you to put together your own set or <i>taolu </i>(which is Chinese for <i>kata</i>).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have also taken a well-known set from Shaolin Kung Fu and give you an analysis of the set in order to help you better understand how these sets are put together and how each of the parts thereof work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The book is available to all Patreons who have joined my Patreon site. I will make more material available soon! </div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div></div>Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-85058285523690476212021-03-14T09:55:00.002-07:002021-03-14T09:55:18.323-07:00Making the Lower Parry work<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7c08STghDRM9ld-n4vD-HI1LDDfB_F_wI7De-Gtu5X3TEhWwAaWRDYWUTgds98YeEmBNif1WZgo__B_5mNQoo3MWXbRkdU6ZdzSc6VMzZjRuhtCjeJmBLYZQytm9LFGH9vKPRVV7oQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="495" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7c08STghDRM9ld-n4vD-HI1LDDfB_F_wI7De-Gtu5X3TEhWwAaWRDYWUTgds98YeEmBNif1WZgo__B_5mNQoo3MWXbRkdU6ZdzSc6VMzZjRuhtCjeJmBLYZQytm9LFGH9vKPRVV7oQ/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello, everyone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It seems I had a case of writer's block that has kept me from writing posts lately.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When you practice martial arts every day, however, there are a lot of things about it to write about, but what you don't bother with, because you tend to reckon that it is too mundane or obvious to write about.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well... maybe for experienced martial artists...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then- I end up realising again that there is not only an entirely new generation to whom we can pass on much of this seemingly redundant knowledge, but also a record to set straight with a new generation of experts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This post is about two old enemies. Some say they were never supposed to meet, but meet they did. The one was set on knocking the wind out of you, the other was... well... now its role is disputed, but everyone was sure at the time that it was his job to stop the other from achieving its goal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These two are of course the Front Kick (<i>Maegeri </i>in Karate) and the Lower Parry (<i>Gedan Barai </i>to Karate people). Gedan Barai was taught as the go-to defense against a kick to the stomach and it worked well with one-step sparring- especially if you have stepped back far enough...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The problem came with free sparring and normal fighting. People who tried using this technique to block a kick got either their arms fractured, where an open-handed version got used fingers got sprained and in many cases the block just did not work...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So... martial arts bloggers set out on campaigns to educate us all by telling us that this block was actually a throw or a strike and that it is just plain silly to block any kick like that. Well... Not this blogger...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You see- long before people started saying online that blocking does not work I have spent most of my teens making my blocks work. The thing about a block is- you should not think about it while doing it. Trying to remember it when the kick is coming just slows it down and makes it useless in the end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A block is really a reflex action. Now- if your reflex action is going to be bringing your guarding arm down on top of a rising shin you will be in for a lot of pain. A lower parry hits the side of the attacking leg. Not the top. To help you get this right you can learn to bring your elbow in line with the kicking leg. Doing this is a quick way to learn to do the block properly as you teach yourself to see your elbow as the thing to put between your opponent's foot and your stomach and- because your elbow cannot reach the foot in time- your body will do the rest by making sure the arm straightens.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is notable that you won't find Kung Fu people practicing blocks without a corresponding stance or footwork. The reason is simple: Hand techniques are useless without footwork.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the case of the lower parry, footwork and body movement can help you defend against a kick either by stopping it, passing it or by sidestepping. Let's look at some examples:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMZwRtheEbsh2CVH8c5QgbETYfhwIEeh9GZimq-B9nXOIRjiTCefFuvi7-DrQEPXopKYZE0vB6amBSQ28MvZIQoSrbHBeQOUfGcWIbQymX-RQng88br2qF1PrplHltti47qqa6ZLFwQ/s640/20210314_145115.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="401" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMZwRtheEbsh2CVH8c5QgbETYfhwIEeh9GZimq-B9nXOIRjiTCefFuvi7-DrQEPXopKYZE0vB6amBSQ28MvZIQoSrbHBeQOUfGcWIbQymX-RQng88br2qF1PrplHltti47qqa6ZLFwQ/s320/20210314_145115.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In this scenario I am passing the kick. If I stay where I am and just sweep down with my arm I will still be too far to counterpunch. So- as the kick comes I intercept it by moving past it and blocking with less force than would otherwise have been necessary. I also get to land a punch before my opponent is back on two legs again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaHyG3A-xRXAVJa-tg8RWEuznOy9O6snFh1Bt1Ziz_parfFLQsfgDKv9U7tpUFUvj1_RXjkEnrSZGSglp17aYS4n8z3cq0rSS3dybKTSRJdrEDhD269ZJn_WLA_s39GmrF4n3RW7vrg/s640/20210314_152030.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="401" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaHyG3A-xRXAVJa-tg8RWEuznOy9O6snFh1Bt1Ziz_parfFLQsfgDKv9U7tpUFUvj1_RXjkEnrSZGSglp17aYS4n8z3cq0rSS3dybKTSRJdrEDhD269ZJn_WLA_s39GmrF4n3RW7vrg/s320/20210314_152030.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This kind of hip rotation is hard to do at first, but then you must remember- you always blink in time when you see someone's hand coming at your eyes. So- this defensive hip rotation can be developed as a similar reflex response. Kick to the groin? Just twist. Kick to the stomach? Just twist. The blocking arm again does not have to take so much punishment and can easily hit the leg from the side to make sure that it passes safely behind you. This kind of block is then usually followed up with a punch, but I have felt that crossing my legs like this has perfectly set me up for that hooking kick...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gDVQh-hQ9publ0rYwzSWkp2bTpLzpfD6ASekCzY-vr0moD77WxvBc1CCBgiFt3zQRU9z3zM_J79Y8x67ICiOsWkP1ASSQ_MKzU-FwnKRVJhIFV8K3m23rA52Jg29jx2dFsISs8rhyphenhyphenA/s640/20210314_155514.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="401" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gDVQh-hQ9publ0rYwzSWkp2bTpLzpfD6ASekCzY-vr0moD77WxvBc1CCBgiFt3zQRU9z3zM_J79Y8x67ICiOsWkP1ASSQ_MKzU-FwnKRVJhIFV8K3m23rA52Jg29jx2dFsISs8rhyphenhyphenA/s320/20210314_155514.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Side kicks are tricky... You hit the wrong side of the leg you still have a horizontal foot slipping through to deflate your lungs.</div>So- a different approach is needed. In the case of a side kick you should not connect your lower parry with the leg, but with the foot. You can also not afford to waste time, because catching the kick towards its end puts your arm in the way of a kick at its most powerful. That is not good news for your arm... Catch the kicking foot just as it is rising, however, immobilises the kick before it can gain power. I was going for a vertical back fist counter, but when I realised that my opponent's head was out of reach I moved in with the uppercut. If your step and stance is powerful enough when you block this way you might even push the opponent off balance. <p></p><p>It pays to mention that while Karate seems to have developed doubts about the use of the lower parry against midsection kicks Kung Fu continues to teach the low hand sweep and low shield as methods for defending against low and midsection kicks. These techniques are the Chinese versions of the lower parry.</p><p>Hopefully this blog post will save a lot of arms and fingers in the years to come...</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><br /><p></p>Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-31091643106424704082021-02-06T01:25:00.001-08:002021-02-06T01:25:15.532-08:002021: Not so much more of the same...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwXvvJD8Q-LsZUnSRoPaC4xJoC-px-dhricwjd7say-k3ZBBFRqNWRmWg-jKVtt5fxtkRUVpu18kdJ3r9Q5vQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year started with me in a new situation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No longer working for just myself and with less free time than before I have been spending less time on the book and this blog now sees me for the first time as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Early morning workouts have become shorter and more hurried.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am however still taking whatever time I can to learn new things. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />I enjoy Yoga as much as Qigong these days and have made it part of my workouts.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://web.facebook.com/marthinus.boshoff.3/videos/3258081497594422">https://web.facebook.com/marthinus.boshoff.3/videos/3258081497594422</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am glad to say that I am now more than halfway done with the book. I have also received an offer from a friend to help with Youtube videos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's see how this year goes... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-70781726696891356132020-12-12T06:16:00.003-08:002020-12-12T06:16:55.804-08:00Goodbye, 2020!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz5wO8xdzSqKn5m7TqNy01F8FZNreCNPbHJpninFvA09M3dFGMwpwwcrV1tD0yTZf9AXO6nIfoBeaW0SaqoBQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFr4F4L3ghCfMj7B1JJ7V0QniRyIlnrHBxZ9yytxf9as6a3D5xjNkF_VxDRblQrSXuPcdjMRojbgPofXlLMETplFUKMO3F2u2FBoeM_C35c-_U4YvaiiajE6KKkoEdi1mdT4rYcI5qyw/s575/VideoCapture_20200801-123835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="483" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFr4F4L3ghCfMj7B1JJ7V0QniRyIlnrHBxZ9yytxf9as6a3D5xjNkF_VxDRblQrSXuPcdjMRojbgPofXlLMETplFUKMO3F2u2FBoeM_C35c-_U4YvaiiajE6KKkoEdi1mdT4rYcI5qyw/s320/VideoCapture_20200801-123835.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now... with a lockdown having started in the third month of this year, carefully adapting to each new stage of our protracted state of emergency and having to get used to a new job that just about takes up all of my time these days- we woke up one morning and found that this entire year had passed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So- what have you done during all this time? Have you put off all commitments and plans for when things start looking better?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you have I would not judge you or blame you. Hell- I remember seeing on Facebook how quiet the "Law of Attraction" group had become when the shit had really hit the fan. Faith seemed to have been in short supply.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The people that had really kept me going were those who had suddenly begun doing what I had been doing for the last 30-odd years- exercising in their own yards...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Martial arts may contain mostly techniques for fighting opponents in the physical realm, but my biggest hope for any martial arts student is that he or she cultivates an indomitable warrior spirit. This kind of spirit does not only see us through a one-on-one confrontation with a human opponent, but also through family crises, financial stress, stressful home and work environments and all other generally bad times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was this spirit that had teachers starting to teach online when classes could no longer be presented at their dojos. It was this spirit that had athletes jogging in their own yards and working out new exercise regimes to adapt to the confines of where they had to stay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was also this spirit that had businesses come up with new products and services that could be offered when the lockdown prevented them from doing business as usual.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwo6H0G-1OJYRvf0ZtOC6QDktO6qbMvbv9yyIC1bnCgCGuXX0TGmNMo1RLXU4IlF4EzJCorYRW09aJFBG8elNPMxAnmTqnoVVdubGNZI8YYQ5Lwwxd1lkCuLLm45i5vMS2XLw5d3etg/s2048/20200606_131725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwo6H0G-1OJYRvf0ZtOC6QDktO6qbMvbv9yyIC1bnCgCGuXX0TGmNMo1RLXU4IlF4EzJCorYRW09aJFBG8elNPMxAnmTqnoVVdubGNZI8YYQ5Lwwxd1lkCuLLm45i5vMS2XLw5d3etg/s320/20200606_131725.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_JT1mZBd-h-Nb7r7g5HyWMj3dRluNKxhSN5eMbUN5iIE7m5bTf5rtg7EqiVEbnmUISTaF539qMRizbg5exBfAvyLtidOzzMvjcd9zBqH7eoE0eaD6JtNMl-yCjo46zTMbYDQILq01Q/s1440/mmexport1591808746510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_JT1mZBd-h-Nb7r7g5HyWMj3dRluNKxhSN5eMbUN5iIE7m5bTf5rtg7EqiVEbnmUISTaF539qMRizbg5exBfAvyLtidOzzMvjcd9zBqH7eoE0eaD6JtNMl-yCjo46zTMbYDQILq01Q/s320/mmexport1591808746510.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfm-s9LEwVRYsyPHK8-z98LgVtSEDvFKcuvVeW_htplprznidU4o3jYZjJohz1yCK-XM5s9N_sTCGCroQErK0jhkNND-mmOWwHZqnX5iZ_jfMNiRanoRWYyqyQAjNNbYEXZqijE2-Vw/s1440/mmexport1592506567538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfm-s9LEwVRYsyPHK8-z98LgVtSEDvFKcuvVeW_htplprznidU4o3jYZjJohz1yCK-XM5s9N_sTCGCroQErK0jhkNND-mmOWwHZqnX5iZ_jfMNiRanoRWYyqyQAjNNbYEXZqijE2-Vw/s320/mmexport1592506567538.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I sit here typing this blog, I am still thinking of the work that lies ahead for me at the office as this December there will not be any closing two weeks before Christmas. We have, after all, been away from work for 3 months...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My dearest Xiaowei works in the beauty industry, an industry that was barred from operating for four months. What I am really grateful for was that the restrictions on travel within our province got lifted a bit before she had to return to work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even though we will both be working throughout this month we have the memory of trips that we had taken together to some of the most beautiful parts of our region. We also had more quality time together than we are likely to ever have again...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The thing is- if you fight with the aim to avoid getting hit you are not going to win.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fights are won by taking every opportunity to strike that presents itself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sure- this year had a lot of what we will not ever want. Still- our focus should be on creating the life that we want for ourselves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wish everyone of you who reads this a blessed Christmas and a far better year ahead than the one that we are leaving behind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Osu!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-74167830727472433582020-10-31T09:13:00.001-07:002020-10-31T09:13:35.436-07:00It has been a while...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_AzbS7VUVloQkIV9opETgkZTmwv6sIoAcLcLB2Rww9uYHRzt-Qrtz02FZS58rrfyt8jbQkcwxgOOq21zjrO7IDMr3hYmNkwqgbSWT0Anzyil5epxfnpAjtDlu0zKp9oPgAblV1z6kA/s1072/VideoCapture_20200801-123905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1072" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_AzbS7VUVloQkIV9opETgkZTmwv6sIoAcLcLB2Rww9uYHRzt-Qrtz02FZS58rrfyt8jbQkcwxgOOq21zjrO7IDMr3hYmNkwqgbSWT0Anzyil5epxfnpAjtDlu0zKp9oPgAblV1z6kA/s320/VideoCapture_20200801-123905.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello, everyone! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know it has been a long time since I have written anything. I have started at a new job that has me a lot busier than I have expected myself to be and I had to work on a couple of Saturdays. Saturdays are of course the days on which I attend to my blogs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It felt good to have today free to attend to my book as well. It is still a work in progress and I will let you know on Facebook, Twitter and Patreon when it is out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All in all- I still train. Even though I now have to wake up earlier in the mornings to train I still take the time to train. That will never stop for as long as my body remains able to move.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The chapter at which I am now is an analysis of the Five Animal Combined Set of Shaolin Kung Fu. This set is somewhat different from the taolu that we see in Wushu competitions nowadays. I feel it is a good idea to look at the forms that were designed for training rather than performance purposes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Many of you already know that I regularly practice my Karate kata and the Kung Fu forms that I know in the morning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you practice Karate or Kung Fu I recommend you do the same. Training is really not just for the dojo.</div><br /> <p></p>Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-37392460698602424462020-09-19T04:27:00.001-07:002020-09-19T04:27:26.674-07:00What if Sensei Iain got a look at Kung Fu?<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you have not yet seen Sensei Iain Abernethy's videos then now would be a good time to start.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The video below would not mean as much to you if you have not been studying Karate for at least 3 years. In some styles it may take even longer to see the katas that he discusses. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xsfgWgJ-0sQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="xsfgWgJ-0sQ"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What many of us experience when practicing kata is that the movements do not make any sense. Here in Bassai Dai for instance we have two blocks that are not followed by any kind of visible attack. So- what are we to believe? That the opponent will just walk away if he sees that you have blocked the only two punches that he was willing to give to this fight?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That is where Sensei Iain helps a lot. After watching the first of his videos I have made a point on finding out what he has to say about the obscure movements of every new kata that I have learnt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sensei Iain does not do Kung Fu, though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have thought that I have Kung Fu pretty much figured out. On Kung Fu pages and in Kung Fu groups online you may get elitists querying each other about their lineage, but strangely enough- nobody seems to give a damn about the applications of the movements in their forms (or "sets" as they like to call their katas).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well... I was fairly at peace until I came across this sequence in the 5 Animal Set of Shaolin Kung Fu.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwcZcVFrn7RX1MV8fMxJvfjvpIuqFRasXc1WDMTJ89QZkVrF1Pba2wj-kPGCEgFqhkT_jQdKpn1s6s0o_j5Dg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now... that low block, which may remind some Shotokan students of that low block at the start of Enpi is called "Tiger Crouching on Ground" and that double punch is called "Twin Dragons Shooting Pearl".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What do you think would be Sensei Iain's application for this sequence?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you want to see mine you can follow my Patreon page and see my application in this post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/41774944">https://www.patreon.com/posts/41774944</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think I have just given Kung Fu the Sensei Iain Treatment. :)</div>Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-74670962828553002792020-09-05T05:58:00.001-07:002020-09-05T05:58:08.346-07:00The Mi Lu Kata- Learnt from a book<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SV2uEXOZAkw" width="320" youtube-src-id="SV2uEXOZAkw"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I admit that Ninjutsu fascinates the hell out of me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks to Stephen Hayes and Ashida Kim I have been able to learn sword techniques, shuriken throwing and of course- some interesting unarmed fighting techniques. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Mi Lu Kata- or Lost Track teaches techniques that rely on misdirection to get past an opponent's defense in a fight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am not certain whether this kata has any ties with the Mizongyi (Lost Track) Boxing that is attributed to the legendary Huo Yunjia. I am not even certain whether this kata exists outside of Kim's school on Ninjutsu. I have however, had a lot of fun learning it and have started practicing it again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With the details about Ninjutsu having become even more uncertain in this day and age than how they were 40 years ago I doubt that anyone is able to say for certain exactly how Ninjas used to fight in the 17th Century. What I am certain of, however, is that these techniques do not seem like fighting techniques used by Japanese warriors at the time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can imagine how fighting an opponent like this would add to the mystery in which Ninjutsu is already shrouded if you were a Samurai that encountered a Ninja.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well... talking and speculating is fun, but training is what does the most good in the end. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So- whatever you do, train well and have fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-23296320320369669382020-08-29T07:19:00.000-07:002020-08-29T07:19:03.160-07:00Tongbeiquan: Damn this one is hard!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jaYgfqxMpOs" width="320" youtube-src-id="jaYgfqxMpOs"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Learning this form was not much fun as the first video that I have watched on this featured a woman doing the form at top speed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyUQu14za9nJ27CJcsXuAj_q35oEJwkifo7eYqwWDDANthQ7-ZCnpByRauhvAovq-B18dBhzz8E_zUIfrDSlg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have already accepted that the way your form looks depends partly on who you learn it from.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not much further away on the internet, I have found this variation:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXNByYRPmbk" width="320" youtube-src-id="mXNByYRPmbk"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nonetheless- I enjoy having this form in my program. I have always wanted a kata that features a hurricane kick. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The number of katas I know now stands at 27. I have also created 8 forms of which I plan to keep 4. 3 of them got discussed in earlier blog posts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even though I have gone and learnt this many katas I think that regularly practicing the katas that you know is more important than learning new ones. Sure- every once in a while you would pick up a new technique from a kata that you have not yet practiced. Still- it will only become of any use if you have practiced it enough.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well... there is only one more form that I would like to show you, but that will have to wait for next week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now I have to get back to writing that book...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-21746201508581556292020-08-22T08:22:00.005-07:002020-08-22T08:22:49.894-07:00My Nanquan Form<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My introduction to Kung Fu was the 48 Form Set of Taijiquan that was created in the 1950's. I have only gotten the feel of actually channeling qi into martial arts movements, though, when I learned Shaolin Kung Fu.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That had led among other things to me creating a custom made Taijiquan form (The words "form" and "set" are sure to confuse a lot of people who do not study Kung Fu. Since Karate people call katas "forms", however, I also call Kung F sets "forms").</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was satisfied to have my Taijiquan form for practice of a Wudang based martial art and the 5 Ainimal Set as a faorm for practicing an art from Shaolin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then- as you know- I have started writing my book on Kung Fu forms. So- I have looked through my collection of martial arts material and found this video from a while back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy1BTG5ZwgQZKxiYgmePgIhkKDDS_kV-c7v5EMCzMiTZasdsnGGtv7XsvEkNZh6DeoMSwtfsVLHuinkxjgmLQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now... for a long time I was happy to practice my 20 katas from Karate, rotating them in groups of 2 to be practiced two days every week, but then I have decided to dust off my 5 Animal Set and to learn two extra forms. The form in the video was just named "Nanquan", but I have seen that Nanquan is actually a style of Kung Fu with more than just this particular form.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So- with the decision to learn 2 more forms for weekly morning practice I have taken to learning this very form.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_fuUe1YTdvM" width="320" youtube-src-id="_fuUe1YTdvM"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While Shaolin Kungfu may be over a millenium old, Nanquan was created in 1960, by combining a number of Southern Kung Fu styles that were already in existence. Hence the name "Southern Fist" or "Nanquan".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This form has strong Shaolin elements that I really like and the similarity to Karate with that low sweeping block and punch/ palm thrust combination helped making learning this form a lot easier as it felt far less awkward to me than a Kung Fu form would if it had no similarity to Karate at all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Only after having recorded the video did I realise that my stances are not half as low as this little girl's.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nonetheless- I plan to be practicing this form many more times from that time on... </div> <p></p>Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-61429595216864064502020-08-15T05:15:00.006-07:002020-08-15T05:31:18.119-07:00The 5 Animals of Shaolin<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can you learn a form from a book?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well- I have tried. With interesting results. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The video below shows Sifu Wong Kiew Kit. He is doing a form that I have learnt from his book on Shaolin Kungfu.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E4-d6hNN3hs" width="320" youtube-src-id="E4-d6hNN3hs"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Below is a link to a video of me doing the same form. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0YXUO10lOGU" width="320" youtube-src-id="0YXUO10lOGU"></iframe></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The differences tell us that there has been a miscommunication about some parts of this form, don't they? Nonetheless- I am happy with the version that I am doing. After all- I have been practicing it for a long while now before I saw this video. No lightning came from the sky to punish those who have adapted traditional forms for the sport of Wushu during the 1960's. Nobody gets punished even for making up their own forms so- just relax... </p><p><br /></p><p>Had I belonged to a Kungfu club or school, however, I would have taken care to do the form as it is taught by that school. </p><p><br /></p><p>Changes in forms are actually a common occurrence in Asian martial arts and I have learnt at least two versions of a number of forms in one style of Karate. Benefits that I have derived from regularly practicing this form are:</p><p>1. I have learnt to channel qi all the way to my fingertips when striking with them. This has enabled me to strike rather hard targets quite hard with my fingertips.</p><p>2. My palm strikes have gained explosive power and can even generate gusts of wind that can blow out candles.</p><p>3. Aside from moving back, left and right to avoid attacks I have become used to sinking into a low crouch to evade high attacks.</p><p>4. As an alternative to blocking and counterattacking I have learnt to evade an attack and at the same time exploit the opening that it creates. Yes- your opponent opens himself up when he attacks.</p><p>5. I have learnt Shaolin footwork. Shaolin footwork is very similar to the footwork of Karate, with minor differences.</p><p><br /></p><p>All these benefits have very little to do with the sequence of the form and showed up in spite of me having gotten a couple of movements wrong here and there.</p><p><br /></p><p>I do not learn or practice forms for competition or display. Sure- a nicely executed form looks beautiful, but I still derive benefit from doing it alone in the morning. </p><p><br /></p><p>A shorter version of this form gets analysed in my new book that is coming. In Taolu Practice for Kungfu I look at the reasons for form practice being part of martial arts and along with that, of course- how practicing forms helps the development of one's martial art skill.</p><p>I hope you all have a good weekend and a nice week ahead. Keep on training! :)</p><p><br /></p>Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-64634861066418313412020-08-08T08:34:00.001-07:002020-08-08T08:34:33.398-07:00Taking time to learn<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6JcYDda2uPuhQOL6DWEcBRp7d5WYpDG8qA-Bdbt5zOk_uuL4FuBbcDr3YjRLCeceWiZqskqG7qVjLzHM9Lf8WZ2JC2RCFXK7yULlFvw_J-665dVi7VDVJUw9Yzl_XvC6GdBb8k3oHw/s547/Capture080820.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6JcYDda2uPuhQOL6DWEcBRp7d5WYpDG8qA-Bdbt5zOk_uuL4FuBbcDr3YjRLCeceWiZqskqG7qVjLzHM9Lf8WZ2JC2RCFXK7yULlFvw_J-665dVi7VDVJUw9Yzl_XvC6GdBb8k3oHw/s547/Capture080820.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></a><span></span>Hello, everyone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You see this list below? This is what I use to make sure that I practice all the katas that I have learnt. Saturdays are easy. On Saturdays I practice all 5 Heian katas and all 3 Tekki (Naihanchi) katas from Karate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Sundays I practice Taijiquan and my kata and fighting practice is on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. It used to be two katas per morning just before I finish my workout, but- as you can see- the katas have now been put together in groups of 3. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6JcYDda2uPuhQOL6DWEcBRp7d5WYpDG8qA-Bdbt5zOk_uuL4FuBbcDr3YjRLCeceWiZqskqG7qVjLzHM9Lf8WZ2JC2RCFXK7yULlFvw_J-665dVi7VDVJUw9Yzl_XvC6GdBb8k3oHw/s547/Capture080820.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6JcYDda2uPuhQOL6DWEcBRp7d5WYpDG8qA-Bdbt5zOk_uuL4FuBbcDr3YjRLCeceWiZqskqG7qVjLzHM9Lf8WZ2JC2RCFXK7yULlFvw_J-665dVi7VDVJUw9Yzl_XvC6GdBb8k3oHw/s0/Capture080820.PNG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6JcYDda2uPuhQOL6DWEcBRp7d5WYpDG8qA-Bdbt5zOk_uuL4FuBbcDr3YjRLCeceWiZqskqG7qVjLzHM9Lf8WZ2JC2RCFXK7yULlFvw_J-665dVi7VDVJUw9Yzl_XvC6GdBb8k3oHw/s547/Capture080820.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></a>3 of these katas are brand new to me and there are also some old katas of mine that I have decided to brush off and add to my list for regular practice.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6JcYDda2uPuhQOL6DWEcBRp7d5WYpDG8qA-Bdbt5zOk_uuL4FuBbcDr3YjRLCeceWiZqskqG7qVjLzHM9Lf8WZ2JC2RCFXK7yULlFvw_J-665dVi7VDVJUw9Yzl_XvC6GdBb8k3oHw/s547/Capture080820.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy_fxOKbkjpLLHXh2OMWyHUbZNMXXF9a_zRAkrvS_5tnDPxhILn1aobiGdvb-6lbcVjtML3jCTxTNIoBmpl4A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One kata that I have really enjoyed learning is Gekisai Ichi from Goju Ryu. I just list it as "Gekisai" in my Kata Rotator because it is the only Gekisai that I will be practicing- well... for now...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The kata first came to my attention when Jesse taught it to another martial arts Youtuber in one of his videos. Then- when one of my martial artist friends on Facebook showed a video of him doing it I decided to study the video and learn the kata for myself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Having so many Japanese based katas was getting kind of boring, so I decided that a nice Okinawan based kata would be really nice to learn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With Karate I have long since thrown off my fear of looking silly. Once you get that part right- learning kata is really a lot of fun. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This kata, however, is really short and learning the sequence did not take me so long.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next week, however, I will show you a Chinese kata or <i>taolu </i>as the Wushu people call it. Learning that one took me a couple of hours. I will then tell you how I have managed to memorise the movements.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until then- have fun training!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6JcYDda2uPuhQOL6DWEcBRp7d5WYpDG8qA-Bdbt5zOk_uuL4FuBbcDr3YjRLCeceWiZqskqG7qVjLzHM9Lf8WZ2JC2RCFXK7yULlFvw_J-665dVi7VDVJUw9Yzl_XvC6GdBb8k3oHw/s547/Capture080820.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div> <p></p>Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-2359683420353398412020-07-25T09:25:00.000-07:002020-07-25T09:25:45.504-07:00New Book Coming: Taolu Practice for Kungfu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It has been a while since I have sat down to write any book. You may have noticed that I even neglect my blogging nowadays... </div>
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I have, however, had enough time to think about what to write about next. I have chosen to write about form practice in Kungfu.</div>
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In our general language we use the term "forms" to refer to those sequences of movements that are performed without an opponent.</div>
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Kungfu people, however, call these sequences "sets". The word "forms" are usually used by Karate people when they refer to <i>kata.</i></div>
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In Karate the Japanese term <i>kata </i>is used while the Chinese term <i>taolu </i>is used by Kungfu practitioners.</div>
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Kungfu forms are generally longer than Karate forms, though.</div>
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In Karate we find that the traditional styles follow a very conservative approach to teaching and practicing forms. </div>
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During the 80's some more progressive styles of Karate have appeared with acrobatic forms- performed to music, no less...</div>
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Long before this had happened to Karate the forms of Kungfu have also changed in their design to be more suited for entertainment than for practicing fighting techniques.</div>
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A lot of people say that the purpose of these forms is to preserve and memorise fighting techniques used by past masters. That is not wrong. </div>
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We see, however, that while some forms have fast, explosive movements- others have slow, flowing movements.</div>
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Some traditional forms have movements that cannot be linked to fighting at all!</div>
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Why is this?</div>
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This is one of the topics that we are going to explore in my new book:</div>
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TAOLU PRACTICE FOR KUNGFU</div>
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Having trained in both Karate and Kungfu before I have developed Wenhsiuquan, I have some interesting insights that I will share in my book.</div>
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That is all I can tell you for now.</div>
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Watch this space! :)</div>
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Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-22950296111000250202020-06-27T11:33:00.000-07:002020-06-27T11:33:31.764-07:00What Judo could learn from other martial arts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEg9ijmABDkSHiQINNgcD3q84xQRH51nIShw4cwk3oM9NpTOYHCBFQ6A8gJo72Fr3luURYvwVhiE0xWlQowaeeFv9tWN6XMtIQ_oyW7A5TfsAuzbSCVGDZoRjrnvhwzcL0XhreWKecRHjeKDbpu6bZT1Ketmp4By4saA3XfiFmM4At8ORK21hqM3klfM4-gnmHV6YaGhea0nRej8ZA2VwEDtaxq1avrphCI98XGkP6KhwklWhvMBesHItUZz79eWjDrLpV4C=" /><br />
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Weird as this may sound these days- Judo was the not only the first martial art that I took up, but it was also the first "soft" martial art that I have learnt.<br />
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<img height="213" src="https://www.paralympic.org/sites/default/files/styles/large_original/public/2019-08/Lima-2019-Eduardo-Avila-day-3.jpg?itok=bM3hajRY" width="320" /><br />
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With the standards of competitive grappling having gotten really high we hardly see anything that appears to be soft in Judo these days.<br />
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<img height="213" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DcXSuZkWsAI_xlA.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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Then I won't even mention anything about the Founder's maxim of minimum effort, maximum effect.<br />
Judo nowadays seems to be about:<br />
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<img height="180" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mo4ATwfRU3s/maxresdefault.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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I was happy to learn my first throws and found that some worked even on people that were bigger than I was at the time. Still- I have found that I easily got toppled sometimes by a completely untrained person.<br />
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Well... as you all know by now I have found the bugs, fixed it and wrote a book about it...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH85GUyWzt_XQzBBvDStImKFOK0bnHeDE_ClgmpttwJFVbOI6rw37W4PR6u6tN_XhyphenhyphenhcXF9oxfYwmwnXbhVRXId4ZVNYlcVNjtw3bV5I1JJqzvuCydMyZ82geJwuU1lVDmMlF9wzI9Q/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="362" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH85GUyWzt_XQzBBvDStImKFOK0bnHeDE_ClgmpttwJFVbOI6rw37W4PR6u6tN_XhyphenhyphenhcXF9oxfYwmwnXbhVRXId4ZVNYlcVNjtw3bV5I1JJqzvuCydMyZ82geJwuU1lVDmMlF9wzI9Q/s320/Capture.PNG" width="247" /></a></div>
The first major bug-fix came from Karate. And- it was not even Japanese Karate, but an Okinawan-based style, Shukokai (a style that was derived from Shito Ryu).<br />
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Karate taught me the value of a good stance. Now... the stances that you find in Karate do play a part in the success of one's strikes, but where I have found stances to really matter was with grappling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNvo8IIqUMwZrZNDsRsqmn2ubdOAYQjrPEicifLE1e6bqtd5kCDifjvksO9Yl86XKRbc5X53d-scwtu1Q5vCm-hwBAL9JScn81Zfo_nOMzIpWYnx3sesm1LOkldNznIEht-9HflqP1Q/s1600/20200627_130632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNvo8IIqUMwZrZNDsRsqmn2ubdOAYQjrPEicifLE1e6bqtd5kCDifjvksO9Yl86XKRbc5X53d-scwtu1Q5vCm-hwBAL9JScn81Zfo_nOMzIpWYnx3sesm1LOkldNznIEht-9HflqP1Q/s320/20200627_130632.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86uwxKbH4LZIGh6iYMJxKRiO6ZyziZjYX6VbbLr7qDFX6HJm5CxNQKxlNLPs2Y6iQ1s9Mici3a2G5eUXIqzw7H1bgG8KYL_w2GTx10V3tTdzZDvi6CPWCNYEf2mh32nDpeT6T8D4UFg/s1600/20200627_130755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86uwxKbH4LZIGh6iYMJxKRiO6ZyziZjYX6VbbLr7qDFX6HJm5CxNQKxlNLPs2Y6iQ1s9Mici3a2G5eUXIqzw7H1bgG8KYL_w2GTx10V3tTdzZDvi6CPWCNYEf2mh32nDpeT6T8D4UFg/s320/20200627_130755.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhPSKQX3EcXPqQQgx2c06vlRhNtcSDlgqzWh9CRrkXOabVkz4caVBFPmC8rdryKp7yW1QbTQ7tXK_iKvpl-lRleC4xQ0pWhDmYSOCqaaompZYbyOKLsbusI93C_3DNPqOMWEEid9YXw/s1600/20200627_130822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhPSKQX3EcXPqQQgx2c06vlRhNtcSDlgqzWh9CRrkXOabVkz4caVBFPmC8rdryKp7yW1QbTQ7tXK_iKvpl-lRleC4xQ0pWhDmYSOCqaaompZYbyOKLsbusI93C_3DNPqOMWEEid9YXw/s320/20200627_130822.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Well... I have found that out when I was 15... That was long before there was an internet and Youtube...</div>
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Now- in this technologically advanced age in which information on numerous martial arts is at our fingertips I have found this video:</div>
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<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZlhH0PAsaZI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZlhH0PAsaZI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Now... even though we can see a distinct difference between Japanese and Chinese martial arts both recognise the importance of the centre of gravity. In Japanese it is known as the "hara" and in Chinese it is known as the "dantian". </div>
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Now... Japan is no stranger to grappling...</div>
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<img height="240" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/s:900x675/09/187709-131-89D1D43E/sumo-wrestlers-tournament-Japan-Fukuoka-2010.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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We all know that Sumo has been around in Japan for centuries and that it is part of Japan's Samurai culture.</div>
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Sumo was a form of combat training for Samurai during the Japanese Middle Ages (which were from the 1100's to the 1600's). Now- we all know that grappling is a natural part of any real fight, but it wa an extra important part of fighting in this time because combatants normally wore armour.</div>
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Punches and kicks would not do much against an armoured opponent, but I am sure that you can imagine what a good body slam would do...</div>
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So- before Karate made its appearance in Japan during the 20th Century (Yes! That late!)- Japan did not have as good a system of fist fighting as some other countries. The closest thing to fist fighting that Japan had was Jujutsu. The <i>atemi </i>or strikes that one finds in traditional Jujutsu were nowehere near the destructive power of Karate punches. </div>
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(I must mention that Ninjutsu enthusiasts will say that Taijutsu was a system with well-developed strikes that had existed at the time, but I shall only accept that if they can come forward with historic records corroborating that. While they can't Ninjutsu shall just have to remain in the shadows where it seems most at home...)</div>
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All in all, however- Japan has known grappling for a long time.</div>
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Then you get China...</div>
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One thing about Chinese history that never ceases to amaze me is how much older Chinese civilisation is than that of Japan and the West. This country that used paper money while others were still trading gold coins also had grappling for a much longer time than other countries.</div>
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Long before the world marveled at Jigoro's creation in 1881 China already had a similar martial art long before it. That martial art is Taijiquan. </div>
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As the video shows- Taijiquan has grappling techniques. Trust me- it has throws and joint locks that can more than compete with those of Judo and Aikido. </div>
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The one big thing that I want to show you from all this- is that Judoka actually can benefit from learning at least the basic principles of arts like Karate and Taijiquan. I am sure that the above video by itself makes for a convincing argument.</div>
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But- why let Master Wang Zhanhai have all the fun? I want to show you some throws as well...</div>
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Now...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyNQlmRCTWoy4yGcn8JB9N0EqG67kDFLBGUQaT3hLMZCGEFckXixaGYGvJ7QJ0uis1TRCRv19fC9QX7FImeuPZP31gSo8iMJnWy9mhjWkni51ttHFq7AgCiacH2Bo0i8gQwHRe0b4vA/s1600/20200627_140259.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyNQlmRCTWoy4yGcn8JB9N0EqG67kDFLBGUQaT3hLMZCGEFckXixaGYGvJ7QJ0uis1TRCRv19fC9QX7FImeuPZP31gSo8iMJnWy9mhjWkni51ttHFq7AgCiacH2Bo0i8gQwHRe0b4vA/s320/20200627_140259.gif" width="202" /></a></div>
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If you are a Judoka you will know the frustration of trying to topple some stubborn opponents with this inside leg sweep... Sometimes you end up getting thrown because you were spending just a little too much time on one leg while your opponent had both feet firmly on the ground...</div>
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Well... Let's see how this is done in Karate...</div>
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Sure- Karate has leg sweeps, but if you really want to be sure that your opponent is the one falling over while you stay on your feet- you might like this better...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzFV8pLjLbAzEbqFIPlYugSY_gGnX78wcXjFmiOeD3-tAnmo80cOmHerQoVuIc46We9QgtyrowfKlVeeTbLPWJ2ofG6j43sxpsLx37jKuFcHoTAS4sVFcNauM1cfp3kG2v2x0IZ6rVw/s1600/20200627_130632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzFV8pLjLbAzEbqFIPlYugSY_gGnX78wcXjFmiOeD3-tAnmo80cOmHerQoVuIc46We9QgtyrowfKlVeeTbLPWJ2ofG6j43sxpsLx37jKuFcHoTAS4sVFcNauM1cfp3kG2v2x0IZ6rVw/s320/20200627_130632.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>What?!, </i>you may ask. <i>A knife hand block?! </i></div>
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Well- not exactly...</div>
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What is of value here is the lowered centre of gravity and the leg over which your opponent is going to trip himself...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B3DzCrjDMAGqNloWEynqHaT3YEhPQmsGxuiqD7O1ua444LdTsoWmJ7B5m-TmA99486MVDd93tfF2c4xnUq5KiEuIq2hcZCO_gzmxyp07eQDgK2ZZMKA3C2mxMNFYcuoxeWvXE8PaJw/s1600/20200627_150417.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="640" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B3DzCrjDMAGqNloWEynqHaT3YEhPQmsGxuiqD7O1ua444LdTsoWmJ7B5m-TmA99486MVDd93tfF2c4xnUq5KiEuIq2hcZCO_gzmxyp07eQDgK2ZZMKA3C2mxMNFYcuoxeWvXE8PaJw/s320/20200627_150417.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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As you know- Karate fight don't start in <i>shizentai </i>like Judo bouts. So- in this demonstration I first close the gap between us and then preoccupy him with the pain in his nose before I take hold of him. Now I am no longer standing on one leg desperately trying to kick my opponent's firmly rooted leg out from under him. My leg is also firmly planted and- using the simple short lever provided by my arm and upper body- I simply guide my opponent over my extended leg...</div>
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Now- another simple Judo throw that is equally easy to mess up is O Soto Gari or, as Judo books usually translate the name- "Major Outer Reaping".</div>
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<img alt="alchetron.com/cdn/osotogari-490d60d5-fa1d-42d3-..." height="320" src="https://alchetron.com/cdn/osotogari-490d60d5-fa1d-42d3-8d30-f886a6920a7-resize-750.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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It is a really nice and simple throw and a good confidence builder for white belts, but it can also become damn near impossible to do against some either very sturdy opponents or some really agile ones.</div>
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Can you relate to this?</div>
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If you can- you are not alone. I have seen enough Judo contests that look like shin-kicking contests to know that this is a common problem in Judo bouts. But- why stand on one leg when you can stand on two? In fact- you'd rather want one of your opponent's legs in the air!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpg4QWVy5XmQlWvSCbGAPUCE3yhyphenhyphend5N7hXOKmWMdtWJxhJErlb2d3kxybxLMDZ_NZgwgA7Bp89SQG21rNNtu_lFBXXkfTTAdgUh3yHxQFKxvOTukz7ItQpWehwDgPuYVzGs6RCQFRh0Q/s1600/20200627_154652.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="640" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpg4QWVy5XmQlWvSCbGAPUCE3yhyphenhyphend5N7hXOKmWMdtWJxhJErlb2d3kxybxLMDZ_NZgwgA7Bp89SQG21rNNtu_lFBXXkfTTAdgUh3yHxQFKxvOTukz7ItQpWehwDgPuYVzGs6RCQFRh0Q/s320/20200627_154652.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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When you do Karate you do not have to search very far for an opponent who wants to attack you standing on one leg... This particular throw was taught to us as a good response to a high roundhouse kick. Sure- it is easier now that I have hold of one of my opponent's legs, but he is not guaranteed to fall over if I just swing a low hooking kick to his supporting leg. And trust me- Karate people know how to recover from a leg trap if you give them the time to do so...</div>
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So- instead of using a desperate hooking motion with my leg- I plant it in this stance:</div>
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All that remains then is to push him over my leg...</div>
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Another stance, that does use an outward hooking motion at its beginning, but that ends with both legs firmly planted, is the Hourglass Stance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm_JzYXRAhtOt1mEoq-mh0IPj7NKLQ_TvEaZ6pLRPuep4lunXum7uuiXAneTtJ8X8Gy5gsEDQHDLpJoY72c1eMYvSDdwafJQHVZnreik1hp8zeTzTopuGOnWe4zvwveqlpt5yzQ5vSw/s1600/20200627_130755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSm_JzYXRAhtOt1mEoq-mh0IPj7NKLQ_TvEaZ6pLRPuep4lunXum7uuiXAneTtJ8X8Gy5gsEDQHDLpJoY72c1eMYvSDdwafJQHVZnreik1hp8zeTzTopuGOnWe4zvwveqlpt5yzQ5vSw/s320/20200627_130755.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This stance is seen in Southern Kungfu forms and also in Okinawan Karate forms. The leading leg can be hooked around the opponent's leading leg and then you just need to push...</div>
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When we use these throws in real fights we could not care less how the opponent hits the ground, but in sports we do not want our opponents hospitalised or crippled for life. So- during training and competition always keep a firm hold on your opponent to prevent him hitting his head when he falls.</div>
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Looking at this photo it seems that Professor Kano has known this principle. As with most martial arts, however, it got messed up when techniques got modified for sports.</div>
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Sports and competition are usually associated with adrenalin and lots of effort. </div>
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A valuable lesson that classic Judo teaches us, however, is that it is best to remain calm and rooted while your opponent goes mad and becomes unbalanced.</div>
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That's it for this week!</div>
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I have no idea about what I will write next, but I know more ideas will come to me.</div>
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Until we meet again- Train well! :)</div>
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Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-77841334593893807022020-06-13T05:59:00.001-07:002020-06-13T05:59:08.079-07:00Time to Revisit the Theoretical Aspects<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxNqA9Oh2ztVp5tsm4Qs2Q14LFHdsXPNg09jl1QK37yCFEWR7iFtG79YIykt-cQk250pO0RtvPN4McuoqnzGw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Hello, everyone.</div>
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How are things in your country? Is your dojo open? Are you training at home?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbozxB-pJh3CQ0Xw3UyIZJu3jqORH8x4VAvbGpP_MBE3qneuYmdzs-y2tAZ6oAj76XnJJnTSfDGQLRA89tkMXyM49DKOEMiCL_NcGNkP0d9r5GCKLKBNXTDhUj29BiWE8jschF81u7pA/s1600/20160319_145709.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbozxB-pJh3CQ0Xw3UyIZJu3jqORH8x4VAvbGpP_MBE3qneuYmdzs-y2tAZ6oAj76XnJJnTSfDGQLRA89tkMXyM49DKOEMiCL_NcGNkP0d9r5GCKLKBNXTDhUj29BiWE8jschF81u7pA/s320/20160319_145709.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3-fL4tiNLbhAn_Xt_6LHos7JXalHnpcAYAccK3QGjj8L_SS-TjXdS5AHLGS31xoKrxsRE1Dg83gdxy3Kw1KbBd4DwYU_IlMb8ZKjrxv7ZKY3dUCKdCPzXzEnYzuomXsTHMo2rkyZvA/s1600/Capturecsbp.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3-fL4tiNLbhAn_Xt_6LHos7JXalHnpcAYAccK3QGjj8L_SS-TjXdS5AHLGS31xoKrxsRE1Dg83gdxy3Kw1KbBd4DwYU_IlMb8ZKjrxv7ZKY3dUCKdCPzXzEnYzuomXsTHMo2rkyZvA/s320/Capturecsbp.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are a student living in a country under lockdown like ours, I am sure you have a lot that you can do. The number of things that you can practice at home is virtually unlimited with online classes and instructional videos abounding.</div>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwwyx28gfyBk36RdWXaXJI9C0-rOGofMx-r1Bx_nBMwVUoFxn_iEQoMhnrdg6gYzEcUirBLkBJGOI6n5pkt9g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I am also sure that if you are studying an art like Karate you have enough forms to practice anyway.</div>
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Plus- many of those exercises that you normally have to do in the dojo can be done at home.</div>
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If you are a teacher, however, you may feel derailed now. You had this or that competition lined up for the next month, maybe a grading around the corner...</div>
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Now those plans have been derailed, right?<br />
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So- what is left to do?<br />
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Well...<br />
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How about teaching martial arts? :)<br />
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But- you may ask in disbelief- what have we been doing all this time?<br />
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Sure- you have been teaching martial arts. Most likely it was the syllabus handed down from your style's headquarters, or the scheduled kata and kumite training sessions for the upcoming competition, right?<br />
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But we know that is not all that martial arts are about, right?<br />
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Well... maybe sparring is all that some schools really have, but traditional martial arts have so much more...<br />
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I admit that I was a major annoyance to my teachers when I was at their dojos. While they were concerned of getting us fighting fit for the next tournament I had questions about technique, the style's history and self defense situations. And- I have not bothered with philosophy with 3 of my teachers because they did not look like people who had time for that kind of thing...<br />
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There were more important things to focus on. There was simply no time...<br />
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Well... now we have time...<br />
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If you are worried about not having enough material to last you during the lockdown, I can assure you- I have been writing this blog for 9 years now and I always find something to write about. Besides- even though much of the knowledge that we have in martial arts have been passed on to us by a previous generation- we must remember that we are benefiting from the contributions of those past masters who have shared with us their observations, insights and in some cases even what they have created.<br />
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As a teacher you now have your chance to build a similar legacy.<br />
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To have insights we have to train, however, don't we?<br />
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Keep on training. We will get through this. :)<br />
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Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-15293999436634296472020-05-30T05:53:00.001-07:002020-05-30T05:53:59.678-07:00Jian Basics- A form to practice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello, everyone!<br />
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I hope you have also had a good morning's workout and that you are having an awesome weekend.<br />
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Today I am at the last post in a series of posts that got written for my friend Nicolas in the U.S.. Nicolas loves sword-fighting and is into HEMA and Lightsabre League battles. Even though weapons training is not a big thing with me I do practice with weapons on Saturday mornings. To me, however, it is more of a physical workout than training for an actual fight using the weapon.<br />
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That does not mean that I do not practice fighting techniques at all.<br />
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So- how does one get a physical workout while practicing fighting techniques? Well... One way is with forms!<br />
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In the previous posts we have looked at some exercises that are also basic attack and defense moves.<br />
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We can string all these together in a single pattern that can get practiced regularly. This way our bodies get used to doing all the movements that we need it to do when we use the sword.<br />
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Here is our form for doing just that:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sFT1vXwnCpSR45akdtT7-W_drBPGAK4XPSTej5NpKG1_cP1S4xfQzMuL3qkWnkO-hkrdYziSbL2gDCTe-BgAofswolqLai1eKIFbSulSWTGJc-GNwdPmwKI-M5zn0X-s35_ltTf8EQ/s1600/VideoCapture_20200530-120229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sFT1vXwnCpSR45akdtT7-W_drBPGAK4XPSTej5NpKG1_cP1S4xfQzMuL3qkWnkO-hkrdYziSbL2gDCTe-BgAofswolqLai1eKIFbSulSWTGJc-GNwdPmwKI-M5zn0X-s35_ltTf8EQ/s320/VideoCapture_20200530-120229.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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1. Every form in Asian martial arts has an opening movement. Ours starts from an upright standing position with the sword's hilt in the right hand (yes- selfie mode on my phone really messes that up, but I really was holding the sword with my right hand!) My left open palm gently touches the blade.</div>
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My shoulders are kept relaxed and my arms are kept loose and light. My feet are about a shoulder width apart- or a bit more to make me feel more firmly rooted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg6VyjrVXW8nfph0XEp1pjkW3Jw91jZrkrRvMxyqRQHq8jtpCveDEYqbQgdHxos5THqYQdlUxdNZci1-8VeVypnWHjCXthgW4XawD4PQKm10o2yTmQBdkLRraNAviIQZU2OsruNikVw/s1600/VideoCapture_20200530-120224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSg6VyjrVXW8nfph0XEp1pjkW3Jw91jZrkrRvMxyqRQHq8jtpCveDEYqbQgdHxos5THqYQdlUxdNZci1-8VeVypnWHjCXthgW4XawD4PQKm10o2yTmQBdkLRraNAviIQZU2OsruNikVw/s320/VideoCapture_20200530-120224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I breathe in, feeling my whole body filling up with air and energy and the sword becomes lighter in my hands, floating upward.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4cpdd3NkdZo0pfsQkRd4acoLdtB_444BYi0wzVoZly_D6AiLpQX4KhwG6dTKkm7BbVwYsMGYH82fwirWghNf9Mr7X7mwrICUzFSQxACNgkVBFAs-a8zI2FMdpebGm-3i4TGLhVBUTg/s1600/VideoCapture_20200530-115434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4cpdd3NkdZo0pfsQkRd4acoLdtB_444BYi0wzVoZly_D6AiLpQX4KhwG6dTKkm7BbVwYsMGYH82fwirWghNf9Mr7X7mwrICUzFSQxACNgkVBFAs-a8zI2FMdpebGm-3i4TGLhVBUTg/s320/VideoCapture_20200530-115434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Breathing out I feel my body become as heavy as a rock as my energy sinks down to my stomach and my hips sink as low as they can between my feet. The sword also follows suit and sinks to rest at a point in front of me- just below my navel.</div>
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I am now calm and ready to begin...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJLpjIJT7meR124_2ejV76a_4RrRJPRcX6bTskCXfbLgvr_IXoj742Of3sB-dxWVeuHV0pvCkSRMY8FmdtqCqipHUyLvM3RUYI2cBbPY3KgnbaDp8GT8oBoztFe-9VNnYk4wMldytig/s1600/VideoCapture_20200530-115447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJLpjIJT7meR124_2ejV76a_4RrRJPRcX6bTskCXfbLgvr_IXoj742Of3sB-dxWVeuHV0pvCkSRMY8FmdtqCqipHUyLvM3RUYI2cBbPY3KgnbaDp8GT8oBoztFe-9VNnYk4wMldytig/s320/VideoCapture_20200530-115447.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. When I breathe in I twist my left hip and shift weight onto my left leg to let a thrust pass me. The sword would stick to the opponent's weapon and ride it all the way until it has passed me.</div>
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Breathing out my legs uncoil and like a snake striking at its prey I explode into a sudden lunge and straight thrust.<br />
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3. Breathing in again I shift my weight into my back leg and squat down to duck a high swipe attack.<br />
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Breathing out again I shoot forward with my thrust just when the opponent's weapon has passed harmlessly overhead.<br />
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4. Breathing in again I turn around and withdraw into a crane stance to get my leg safe from an attack.My free hand is extended to prevent me from getting closed off from attacking and the sword is drawn back to have room.<br />
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Lowering myself and extending the lifted leg I breathe out and shift my weight forward as I deliver another thrust.<br />
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5. Cross stepping with my back leg past the back of my lead leg I breathe in again and prepare to uncoil in a vicious back spin. Then- breathing out- I uncoil and whip the blade out in an outward cut.</div>
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5. Twisting my hips into the opposite direction I maintain my firm base and power an inward swipe to my other side.</div>
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6. Breathing in again I withdraw into a cat stance facing the front with the sword poised at my hip and then I breathe out as I shoot into another lunge and thrust.</div>
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7. Breathing in again I withdraw into another crane stance facing the back again and...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisq78fhk6Fnu9aWB9xAoFdYBiqe4tzDpqtu1Rsnjciv2dYwXbrJFpVc6OXpd_g-T0hKdEkkz7qi1Cpcg-ibVKfFEkiPG7rZN4xL93OqCOtb9_t7aQOyaxtoATHxBqgYj5sZ2EdYy0gQ/s1600/VideoCapture_20200530-115706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisq78fhk6Fnu9aWB9xAoFdYBiqe4tzDpqtu1Rsnjciv2dYwXbrJFpVc6OXpd_g-T0hKdEkkz7qi1Cpcg-ibVKfFEkiPG7rZN4xL93OqCOtb9_t7aQOyaxtoATHxBqgYj5sZ2EdYy0gQ/s320/VideoCapture_20200530-115706.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...breathing out I shoot another thrust out to an opponent behind me.</div>
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8. Now- doing the cross step and back spin again I turn around to beat the opponent's mid-level thrust to the side while standing in cat stance, then immediately</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF7xUmWZpljS9OPCEj-PejOobD1SO68lMnfcwUF1zTkrR8oN4NaVopJhyPGOwDpcSTMCt_aaPco1URBr3UpNKolB8dHI5rsWyZwT_LMk63stv5Am2Td4igWZOORGJ56QLaqN9iGheKw/s1600/VideoCapture_20200530-115740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF7xUmWZpljS9OPCEj-PejOobD1SO68lMnfcwUF1zTkrR8oN4NaVopJhyPGOwDpcSTMCt_aaPco1URBr3UpNKolB8dHI5rsWyZwT_LMk63stv5Am2Td4igWZOORGJ56QLaqN9iGheKw/s200/VideoCapture_20200530-115740.jpg" width="200" /></a> circle the blade over my head to come around in an outward slice to the opponent's arm or wrist. It is immediately followed up with a pull-back and thrust that ends in forward stance.</div>
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9. Breathing in again I twist into a cat stance facing the other way and parry inward this time, circling with the blade to follow up with in inward slice and then I immediately shoot into forward stance with a straight thrust.</div>
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10. This turn and twist may feel awkward if you have never done katas like Gankaku/ Chinto or Bassai Sho.<br />
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It makes a lot of sense, though, if you imagine being attacked with a downward slash or straight thrust from your right. To avoid the attack and to turn the tables on the attacker and yourself you simply turn and pivot on your back leg to sidestep the attack and then follow up with a lunge and thrust.</div>
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11. Pivoting on my lead foot to turn into a back stance facing my right (as seen from the front. Don't let the lack or mirroring in the camera confuse you.),</div>
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I prepare to shoot into forward stance and end the move with a reverse thrust.</div>
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12. Then, quickly pulling in my back foot I turn around and chamber the blade to deliver a thrust into the opposite direction, ending in forward stance.</div>
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13. Now pivoting on my lead foot I twist my body to guide a thrust from my left past me, using the hard part of the blade to stick to the opponent's blade and to guide it past me. This is typically done in forms while breathing in.</div>
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I exhale again as I shoot forward with the next thrust...</div>
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14. Turning back again to face forward in cat stance again I parry an attack outwards to my right and then circle the blade around to follow up with an outward cut to the opponent's hand or wrist.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYXZgSZdrhamgcHycVkq2DijE8OOvEmvjmwDRv5kwi6ziWUlohvhwfmx56wx_UxQfdAqFcvrC66vQ2B5Xv7uJky6yxSNR75tuXpgSooGq1mHE0O0s18cpFZKHjdRkqUXyk31KNFJU6A/s1600/VideoCapture_20200530-120213.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYXZgSZdrhamgcHycVkq2DijE8OOvEmvjmwDRv5kwi6ziWUlohvhwfmx56wx_UxQfdAqFcvrC66vQ2B5Xv7uJky6yxSNR75tuXpgSooGq1mHE0O0s18cpFZKHjdRkqUXyk31KNFJU6A/s320/VideoCapture_20200530-120213.jpg" width="320" /></a> ...and then shoot forward with the last thrust in the form.</div>
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I then conclude the form by rising into a natural stance as I breathe in, letting the sword float up to chest level...</div>
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...and then I relax as I breathe out, letting the sword sink to dantian level...</div>
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I hope you have fun practicing this form and you are welcome to send me any questions or comments on my page, this blog or to my Messenger Inbox. </div>
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Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-25888249987827023932020-05-23T07:35:00.000-07:002020-05-23T07:35:07.204-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrR1lNIa_swrwmu2ELTHnSAzlskUq_sMvE5PZBSmK_qgHpKBSaefpFrb0m-n4w0Xlb5nyKOAYJJ57wR6skl35sZ-owXbFVFBq0dEfemT9H0y2B5nDyiqiHImuaWOzd9DLkbU0_o2FoA/s1600/20190721_163615.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="360" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrR1lNIa_swrwmu2ELTHnSAzlskUq_sMvE5PZBSmK_qgHpKBSaefpFrb0m-n4w0Xlb5nyKOAYJJ57wR6skl35sZ-owXbFVFBq0dEfemT9H0y2B5nDyiqiHImuaWOzd9DLkbU0_o2FoA/s320/20190721_163615.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-67733444156781371212020-05-23T07:00:00.000-07:002020-05-23T07:00:26.267-07:00Jian Basics- Defense and Counterattack<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello, everyone, and welcome back. </div>
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This morning started rather shakily as I have given my first webinar. </div>
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I had a lot of fun pointing out the internal aspects of the Shotokan kata Heian Yondan and explaining why Karate techniques are done the way they are done.</div>
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I have not forgotten, however, that we still have the Jian to talk about.</div>
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This is the second last post in the series and the next time you see me we will be doing a short sword form. </div>
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Before I do that, however- let's first look at the defense and counterattack techniques of this weapon.</div>
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You still remember which part of the blade is used for blocking, right? Well- when you are defending- it is that part that shall make the most movement because that is the part that shall make contact with your attacker's weapon. </div>
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You have probably practiced these body rotations against body thrusts a couple of times now. </div>
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Only thing I can add is that I like to keep the sword tip pointed at my attacker. It is a good deterrent against following up a jab with a charge that will render this long-range weapon virtually useless.</div>
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So- while I keep the blade angled enough to cross the horizontal blade that is coming toward me and push it to either side I also make sure that the sword tip remains between my opponent and myself. </div>
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Generally, parrying can knock a straight attack either left or right or up or down. </div>
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Keeping in mind what part of the weapon we block with the upward parry shoots the hard part of the blade upwards to knock the attacker's weapon upwards. Still- the tip remains pointed towards the attacker and countering is quick and easy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoX_atVZ1sYFIqJA7-GhmuGby2avxh_IsPIpuUe5juU8wZCOhr1aWq7tNOVd6TqQg6dCannIy9BPrYvvpPAKVAS4gLp7vdm48cdN0u7x1ys9KDNFST3o6uQEhh1TEiQtH4P6BYIe7VQ/s1600/upwards.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="640" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoX_atVZ1sYFIqJA7-GhmuGby2avxh_IsPIpuUe5juU8wZCOhr1aWq7tNOVd6TqQg6dCannIy9BPrYvvpPAKVAS4gLp7vdm48cdN0u7x1ys9KDNFST3o6uQEhh1TEiQtH4P6BYIe7VQ/s320/upwards.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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This movement looks familiar, right?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We know this is from Karate Kid so- credit to whoever owns this image...<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Well...<br /><br />That's it for today! :)<br /><br />I am sure practicing the same technique over and over is really boring by now so-<br /><br />Next week we will have a form to practice.<br /><br />Until then- keep training! :)</span></td></tr>
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Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-33081889074768725562020-05-16T06:30:00.001-07:002020-05-16T06:30:07.993-07:00Jian Basics: Attacking Footwork<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello, everyone and welcome back.<br /><br />Last week I have posted some basic techniques in the form of warm-up evercises that can be practiced over and over.<br /><br />Those exercises are done standing in one place with only one exercise that has some shifting back and forth- with one foot.<br /><br />Sticking the blade into the other guy is simple when the other guy is within range and standing still. You will not necessarily want to start fighting from within range, though. Once you realise that you are in the kind of fight where not stabbing first means that you might not get to stab at all, starting from out of the opponent's reach and closing the gap between you when you have your chance to stab becomes an important skill to have.<br />
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Fencing with a partner will of course help, but you have to first prepare your body for the job that it has to do.<br />
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The first drill is actually a good way of getting into Wudang Kung Fu's footwork. You might recognise the cat/ tiger stance that I use in this video.</div>
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In Wudang martial arts you usually move from a stance in which your weight is placed on only one foot. The free foot can then be used to move in any direction that you may need.</div>
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You may recognise the cat/ tiger stance here. </div>
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A common habit that I have seen with untrained fighters is that they tend to lean forward to reach their opponents without bothering to bring their lower bodies close enough. Most striking martial arts will teach you, however, that you are not there unless your lower body is there.<br /><br />This drill actually teaches your legs and hips to get within reach and out of reach when you need to. That is also the most active part in this exercise- the lower body. The feet, hips and legs do all the hard work while the sword hand just extends when you are within reach.</div>
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The exercise basically consists of stretching out from cat stance into a long bow stance and back again.<br /><br />Once you have stretched enough you can practice stabbing at an imaginary opponent and withdrawing before he can retaliate.</div>
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At combat speed it would look something like this:</div>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzqlnrsLwR8d8Ef1LPpqwzyBIjst6GfXo4WzqPmDoiOon70B8t-VLmYmax4F-gW-AdQIubW_pSNUFmjj9Khzw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Now- if you are in a fight and don't have an opening to go for, you will want to create an opening with a feint, right?<br /><br />Well- one such way to create an opening would be to draw the opponent's guard upwards with an overhead slash:<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dztEtSj6yf1gpdK2ZJro_7ibiLCgr2fqzLOzy9Qkwo7RwQHHYOK3V3em5ASRG4-CWfd9-V343ztpNFRlkkSXA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Once your opponent's guard is raised you will want to get the tip of your sword clear from obstacles and stab the open target below. The video shows the movements at slower speed with visible advancing and withdrawing. To train the legs you lunge forward with the slash, withdraw as you prepare to stab and then lunge forward again to stab.</div>
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At combat speed the movement would look like this:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw_sUXNQk-kZEY2rf3VHElup3g5ZtCaRe5CtCIyw0Vu2irv53UNkHIh99HT8u57F7kASkNqtrHXtf3s6AUAiw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Once you have moved forwards and backwards into a double weighted position you will want to have one leg free so that you can move again.<br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy1airHU7cPqHztuwXWyPKuMffVwcGd9qf_q1dngiVmu1c479XQhbOU6UkbDekwd0Lo-v6lLwGLAqXOTsP16A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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In Wudang forms one leg is freed up with what we call a "following step". Lunging forward I tuck my back foot in close behind my lead foot, but without placing weight on it.</div>
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This is why I can shift back again. The back foot simply extends backwards and weight shifts back onto it once it lands where it should be.</div>
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The body might sink lower when moving like this, but the step should not involve any upward movement in the torso. When attacking in is natural for the lead shoulder and head to stretch past the lead foot, but you definitely do not want your head leaning forward past your lead foot when you are retreating.</div>
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At combat speed the movement would look like this:</div>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwa_TCzAW3tH7nEdF5wwlCbQP30NOjyNyj_T8Ab-x6gLuA1WpVNV7ojxT0rJsQD4WbIFgrKLj8IC4LyHefwFQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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From the one legged stance you can also move forwards some more or you could step to the left or right side.</div>
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Well... that is about enough to practice until you see me again next week.<br /><br />In next week's post we will do some defense and counterattack work. Until then- stay well and keep training! :)</div>
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This post is the second in a series of posts written for Nicolas Killen down there in Mississippi, USA!<br /><br />If you want to join him to train with me you can find me on Patreon, Facebook, Twitter and Wechat.</div>
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Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-91699757429587067962020-05-10T06:36:00.001-07:002020-05-10T08:53:05.108-07:00Some Jian Basics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A week ago I was chatting with one of my martial arts friends on Facebook- Nicolas Killen- and we somehow ended up talking about swords.</div>
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Now- you will know from previous posts (very recent posts) that I have a Katana and a Jian.</div>
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Nicolas said that he would like to learn a bit about Chinese swordfighting and I said I would gladly help out, so-</div>
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During the weekends to come I am going to post some basic lessons for use of the Jian- or- Chinese straight sword.</div>
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The one that I have has a dull flexible blade. I have not seen any with sharpened blades, though- </div>
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So- I don't entertain any fantasies of dismembering or decapitating anyone...</div>
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It does not render the weapon ineffective, though...</div>
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To use the sword properly you need to understand its design. The sword has one section designated for defense and 3 for attacking.</div>
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Let's look at these parts from the handle up...</div>
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The pommel often has a tassle attached to it. It can be used for striking at close range- especially against limbs. Mine's tassle had become frayed with years of continuous use. So- I have removed it.</div>
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The metal of the base section of the blade it thicker and more rigid than the rest of the blade. This is the part with which you would want to block strikes from other weapons...</div>
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The section of the blade towards the tip is thinner and flexible. It may seem impractical- and I honestly don't know what has inspired this design, but- I will recommend you think of anything caught in a helicopter's rotor blades while they are spinning at full speed. This is the kind of cut that you will try to make when using this sword...<br />
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Then of course- we have the tip. Stabbing with it reminds me a lot of striking with the fingertips. Concentrate on driving from the handle and you will find the blade bending and not manage to do much stabbing. Focus on hitting with the tip, though- and you end up piercing your target.</div>
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So- with that said- we can look at some basic techniques to practice...</div>
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Stabbing left and right loosens the wrist and also trains your body to stab from wherever the sword is. Stabbing is this weapon's primary method of attack, so- it helps to practice it regularly so that you can do it without thinking.</div>
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All basic and form practice is done with the qi lowered. As with most classic Chinese martial arts a rooted stance with the qi sunk to the abdomen is essential.</div>
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I tend to believe that one of the reasons why classical martial arts have this much repetitive practice of the basics is to train you to keep your qi lowered as you execute a technique.<br /><br />I know one's qi is lowered when:</div>
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- the centre of gravity rests as low as it comfortably can;</div>
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- there is no tension in the neck and shoulders;</div>
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- movement is smooth without unnecessary telegraphing.</div>
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This body rotation that starts from horse stance and then flows into an alternating repetition of unicorn step and back stance loosens the hips. The torso is the largest area for someone to attack. Attacks to the leg can be avoided by lifting or withdrawing the leg, attacks to the head by ducking, leaving or weaving. The torso, however, is a large area to protect. Jumping backwards will make it necessary for you to jump forward again to counterattack. So- keeping the back foot firmly in place and letting your opponent's attack slide by either side of you enables you to counterattack better. </div>
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The twist is combined with a block. In this exercise I am using a soft mid-section block with each twist.</div>
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I have said earlier that cutting with this weapon should be like cutting with a helicopter's rotor blade. So- this exercise has us standing firmly rooted and then whipping out the blade in a sharp outward whipping motion that is powered by the legs and hips. It is followed by an inward swipe that is also powered by the hips and legs. If the blade cleaves through the air without any resistance you are doing well.</div>
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The whipping motion uses the wrist to add that extra shock to the technique. </div>
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I like to practice holding the sword in each hand with each exercise.</div>
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In the posts to come I will share an attack, a defensive move and then a form to practice. </div>
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I have published this post here so that anyone else who is interested can also learn.<br /><br />See you next week. :)</div>
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Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-12758124563010650212020-04-18T03:49:00.001-07:002020-04-18T03:52:54.234-07:00How I start my day (Instead of- my Lockdown Training Videos)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello, everyone<br />
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We are now in Week 4 of a Lockdown of which the end has yet to be determined (although the end of this month will be really appreciated.)<br />
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This is the time where I have seen many martial art schools and Yoga studios turn to apps like Zoom to give live online classes.<br />
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I have been experimenting with it since Thursday.<br />
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I have not taught anything, but my training sessions were shared with page visitors in these videos:<br />
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https://web.facebook.com/404145377031933/videos/153641686058159/<br />
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https://web.facebook.com/404145377031933/videos/240673023791568/<br />
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https://web.facebook.com/404145377031933/videos/2593914424199507/<br />
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These videos show the largest part of the training sessions that I have in the mornings.<br />
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Tomorrow is Taijiquan day. Then it is a lot slower and more peaceful than what goes on on the other days.<br />
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Mondays are the days for weights and strength exercises.<br />
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Today's video showed most of the Saturday morning workout. I have just left out the Qigong and meditation at the end. </div>
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I think I may just have found the way with which to spread Wenhsiuquan even further.<br />
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Right now, however, I am still struggling to get some bugs fixed with Paypal. As soon as my Paypal is online we can start the classes properly.<br />
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Until then- you are welcome to read past blog posts to catch up. :)</div>
Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-70760265911813812162020-04-11T07:34:00.001-07:002020-04-11T07:34:34.904-07:00Dust off the Weighted Vest. We have training to do.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I was able to stay off this blog for 2 weeks after our President announced the Lockdown on 26 March. I thought it was going to be over really soon (like the 17th of April)- then it got extended.</div>
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Going to the gym is out now.</div>
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And- going to the gym is what I normally do on Fridays, because on Fridays I hit the heavy bag there and do conditioning.</div>
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For reasons that I would rather not explain the landlords here do not want me to put up any kind of punching bag that is attached to the house.</div>
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And- last one I had that was not attached to the house was... ummm</div>
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Yes. It did not last.</div>
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Nonetheless- I wanted to fill the bag's time with something else...</div>
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I think you now understand how I got to this point. So- this is more or less the Friday morning workout for the next 3 Fridays (regardless of whether the Lockdown gets extended any further, because after this month I will either work or die resisting arrest after slicing up some people...)</div>
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My weighted vest got recovered from the dark recesses of my room, the wrist and ankle weights got gathered together and- for good measure- I am actually wearing gloves! :D</div>
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<img height="225" src="https://superherojacked.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Goku-Workout-Cosplay-1024x576.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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I have written a post about this kind of training before. I have seen versions of it in some forgettable dubbed kung fu movies and we know that it was made famous among this generation by the Dragonball animes.</div>
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Narutar- I mean- Naruto fans will also tell you that this is the kind of training endorsed by Gay- I mean- Guy Sensei and his prize student Rock Lee.</div>
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So- how to go about it?</div>
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Well- I really won't prescribe any set way for anyone. I will just say that- if your martial art style does not involve any high kicking you will probably not find any value in it. It it uses striking, then... yeah maybe...</div>
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Grapplers- Go lift a sack of rice or something... unless you want to incorporate striking into your style- which is not a bad idea if you plan to fight outside your style.</div>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwwwfqlg_bWJFdhDzui8HyK0jAYtG0NiBZ_aD2wnLCcEhmiJUFIuMBCmsrXafZkqTIdTH_E69exF9kh9XINoQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Well- those who know me know that I am no stranger to solo training. </div>
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Some of you who have been following this blog for some time might remember that I have actually developed solo training to such an extent that it actually helps with actual fighting.</div>
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It is not such a big secret and I am also not the type of person who beats around the bush with this kind of stuff. If you want to know why it helps- I will tel you.</div>
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The first thing to remember is that you do need some actual sparring experience to make this work. You must have a memory for reference so that you know how you will perform under actual pressure.</div>
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Second thing is- sure: Kata/Taolu/ Forms and basics are good to practice, but- once you get to actual fighting you have to put your syllabus and whatever sequences you were told to use aside and start thinking about what works best in what situation.</div>
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So- while I did make one almost symmetric kata to go through, just for fun and to relax- I have spent most time imagining a single opponent while attacking from left or right fighting stance and multiple opponents attacking from different directions.</div>
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Sure- I did get the knowledge of what to use when from existing katas, but I had no sequence.</div>
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Instead of thinking of what technique to practice next I think of different ways in which I can get attacked and how I would deal with it.</div>
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And- I have added high kicks so that the ankle weights could do their work. :) </div>
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I slowed down my movements, because I found out some time ago that those weights can actually fly right off you if you move too fast.</div>
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Still- slowing down lets the relevant muscles work a bit harder- especially if you have to keep a weighted foot in the air a bit longer than what you are used to.</div>
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And- if you feel like using your hara makes it too easy and that you are actually cheating- you are not cheating. You are learning proper posture and efficient use of body mechanics. :)</div>
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Best part, though, is the next time you let rip without the weights... </div>
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Well... that is it from me for now...</div>
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Good luck to all of you. To my fellow South Africans- hang in there. We have the virus on the ropes now. Let's knock it down for good by staying home for the entire 3 weeks ahead!</div>
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Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-50301452173665007762020-03-21T08:25:00.000-07:002020-03-21T08:25:15.398-07:00Last Weapon: The Human Body<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My first thought was to title this post "The Empty Hand", but it would not have really suited the content. We <i>know </i>I love kicking, so"Hands and Feet" would have been more accurate, right?</div>
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But then I would probably get reminded of the elbows and knees...</div>
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And someone else might then bring up the head, shoulders and hips...</div>
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As martial artists we often take for granted, especially after some years of training, how much time and effort was put into making our bodies into weapons.</div>
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Sure- you have the contact areas that have to make contact with the target, but we all know that an inefficient use of the body as the delivery system may cause the fist or foot to never even reach its target...</div>
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Striking, grappling, defending- all of these actions make up the art of fighting that we practice. Unlike all other weapons in our arsenal, this particular weapon can improve with regular use. It can get stronger, more durable and more effective.</div>
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While being unarmed whilst facing an armed adversary may mean certain defeat to the uninitiated, we already know that our weapons are right there with us wherever we go.</div>
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I have said in earlier posts that Karate and Kung Fu were the main contributors to Wewnhsiuquan's arsenal of techniques. </div>
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One of the underlying principles of Wenhsiuquan's unarmed techniques is that force is best channelled through the limbs when the body is standing on a firm, secure base. In the case of all hand techniques this means both feet flat on the ground. Lighter footwork is used for transition from one position to another, but when the blow makes contact- both feet are flat on the ground. \</div>
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Also- when an arm lock is executed- both feet are firmly on the ground. </div>
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And throws-</div>
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Executed with both feet firmly on the ground. We may have an exception in the case of leg sweeps, but then the principle of a kick applies.</div>
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And... that brings me to kicks. I have practiced jumping kicks from time to time, but am not big on them. And- while it is alright for some styles to execute a kick while shifting forward on the supporting foot or while standing on the ball of the supporting foot Wenhsiuquan kicks are executed with the supporting foot flat on the ground. </div>
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The kick may in some cases, like with spinning kicks, require for the supporting foot to rotate on the heel or ball of the foot to wind the body up for explosive delivery, but the kick makes contact when the supporting foot is flat on the ground.</div>
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Finding the right length of time during the execution of an unarmed strike to keep muscles relaxed and the right moment at which to stiffen the muscles takes practice. And- once the technique is mastered training from that point is aimed at making it faster and more powerful.</div>
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This concludes my series of posts on weapons with which I train.</div>
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Even though you might not be seeing any posts from me for a while does not mean that I am not around. </div>
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You are welcome to inbox me on my page or to email me at boshoffm3@gmail.com.</div>
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Also- comments are always welcome!</div>
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Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401770194551684515.post-73783233726338581792020-03-14T08:33:00.000-07:002020-03-14T08:33:25.819-07:00The Ultimate Weapon: The Katana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today we are at the second last chapter in this series about weapons with which I regularly practice.</div>
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Of all weapons that I have collected I respect the katana the most. I almost never practice with it, rather using the <i>bokken </i>that I have.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQhFpoXNfKNmSgMz79goYo6T_3F26KwWxjT77V6SbtB0thU3XclSYkeV2uY8V4AlGvUZrcA5Q9SWl-DYrxOcvchG96SXxnvgIR3oIb2pjqlJz4LZNdu1SKslV0OIf3QB7Oy-WA0N4xQ/s1600/20200314_133919.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQhFpoXNfKNmSgMz79goYo6T_3F26KwWxjT77V6SbtB0thU3XclSYkeV2uY8V4AlGvUZrcA5Q9SWl-DYrxOcvchG96SXxnvgIR3oIb2pjqlJz4LZNdu1SKslV0OIf3QB7Oy-WA0N4xQ/s320/20200314_133919.gif" width="202" /></a></div>
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I am sure that what I have to say here can be said for some other weapons as well, but this is what I have learnt from studying the Japanese sword:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30Puu_aSCOvf-46tBw8tJuqx5vpQhKauacpxq1n-syuK_l6VjkUcRLxRPC3qRmRcpfm-IIieDq6mwBulvPPCdwsOzyWE1a7YUgEo6LBF_buhZfPi5pGe0ceYdH4vKG6XXztliDPOpuA/s1600/20200314_140711.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="640" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30Puu_aSCOvf-46tBw8tJuqx5vpQhKauacpxq1n-syuK_l6VjkUcRLxRPC3qRmRcpfm-IIieDq6mwBulvPPCdwsOzyWE1a7YUgEo6LBF_buhZfPi5pGe0ceYdH4vKG6XXztliDPOpuA/s320/20200314_140711.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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Movies tend to show off weapons with a lot of twirling and excessive movement. With the katana, however, I have come to appreciate the value of being able to get the job done with as little movement as possible.</div>
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Few weapons teaches one the value of timing and distance like the katana.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxaeV-djpZrx9i15fzGwbnhhaM-DK7f7x_1xt3xWKSQ05m-vLppQL3JP4QIanbsIarxu1DOosDMsaw3FahB2Hhe1RKqsb_hUFwhjs6XdSbf-tmZLglN69JibIVR133LCBzRLrwluczQ/s1600/20200314_144812.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxaeV-djpZrx9i15fzGwbnhhaM-DK7f7x_1xt3xWKSQ05m-vLppQL3JP4QIanbsIarxu1DOosDMsaw3FahB2Hhe1RKqsb_hUFwhjs6XdSbf-tmZLglN69JibIVR133LCBzRLrwluczQ/s320/20200314_144812.gif" width="202" /></a></div>
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Lastly- I find it the easiest weapon to wield in a Zen state of mind. Being a fairly simple weapon that does not have any chains, moving parts, extra handles or such it gives you very little to think about while fighting.</div>
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Still- it is what I call a Final Weapon. Before the advent of firearms this was the one weapon in Japan with which a person knew that the day on which he faces its wielder is very likely to be his last.</div>
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Imagine if you will- Standing face to face with your opponent, knowing that from the next moment on you might not know anything further...</div>
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<img alt="Image result for how many battles has musashi won?" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Musashi_ts_pic.jpg" width="220" /></div>
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Now- imagine a man who has done that 60 times and came out undefeated- only to die of old age later on...</div>
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If you are a Samurai fanatic like me, you would know that Musashi Miyamoto is such a man.</div>
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A background like his gives a lot of weight to his writings on strategy and swordsmanship.</div>
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As you can imagine- I despise movies that treat a Samurai sword as a mere prop to be twirled around in fancy displays- and I also do not care for katas in which katanas are twirled, swung around and (<i>cringe</i>) thrown into the air!</div>
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I guess I could make this blog post longer and tell you about how many times the steel is folded in the forging process and so forth, but such things have already been written. I just hope to make it clear why this particular weapon is revered so much in martial arts circles.</div>
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That is it for today. Next week we will look at the most obvious weapon of all...</div>
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Marthinus Boshoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10983564823712588115noreply@blogger.com1